Where The Courses Inspire And The Vibes Elevate – Sand Valley Golf Resort

In the heart of Wisconsin’s Central Sands, where ancient dunes ripple across 12,000 untamed acres, Sand Valley Golf Resort rises from the landscape like a dream. This is golf in its purest form—firm, fast, and links-inspired—set against a backdrop of towering sand hills and big skies. With four distinct 18-hole courses and a character-filled 17 hole par-3 layout, Sand Valley offers more than a golf getaway. It’s a place where the game reconnects with nature, and where every round feels both grounded and unforgettable. But beyond the golf shots you look forward to hitting, it’s the culture the resort has carefully cultivated throughout the property that truly sets it apart.

Golf Courses

Sand Valley

When architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw first walked the land in 2014, they saw something rare: a vast, rugged canvas of sand dunes and native vegetation—ideal for golf in its most elemental form. Just three years later, their vision came to life with the opening of Sand Valley, the resort’s first course.

Their design celebrates the landscape’s raw beauty, delivering massive, windswept dunes, firm and fast fairways, and an ever-changing variety of strategic options. Every hole invites creativity. Whether you're flighting a knockdown 7-iron into the wind or chasing a drive down a sun-baked fairway, Sand Valley rewards bold thinking and precise execution.

It’s a course that feels fun and free-flowing, yet it can be dialed up to a serious test for even the most seasoned players. In true Coore & Crenshaw fashion, it walks the line between challenge and charm—making it as memorable on your first loop as it is on your tenth.

Mammoth Dunes

If Sand Valley is a study in restraint and rhythm, Mammoth Dunes is its bolder, more expressive sibling. Designed by David McLay Kidd, the course is a celebration of scale—both natural and architectural. Kidd sculpted his masterpiece around a striking V-shaped ridge that dominates the property, using its dramatic contours to shape a routing that feels as adventurous as it is playable.

True to its name, Mammoth Dunes features sweeping fairways, towering dunes, and greens so expansive they feel like landing zones for dreams. But despite its massive footprint, the course remains highly strategic. Every hole tempts golfers to play aggressively, yet rewards the creative mind and deft touch.

It’s this rare combination—freedom off the tee, nuance into the green—that makes Mammoth Dunes not just playable for all skill levels, but deeply satisfying for purists and casual players alike. It’s golf on a grand scale, with a spirit that’s as big as the land itself. Many golfers walk away with one of their most enjoyable experiences of golf they have ever played.

Lido

Once considered one of the greatest golf courses ever built, The Lido Golf Club debuted on Long Island in 1914, the brainchild of iconic architect C.B. Macdonald. With its dramatic Alps, Redan, and Eden template holes, the Lido stood shoulder to shoulder with revered classics buut its life was cut short when the U.S. Navy acquired the land during World War II. By 1942, the course had vanished—leaving behind only stories, sketches, and a legend that captured the imaginations of golf architecture aficionados for generations.

Now, eight decades later, that legend has returned.

Thanks to the vision of Michael and Chris Keiser, the Lido has been meticulously reconstructed on sandy terrain adjacent to Sand Valley. Using original routing notes and historical plans, the team brought Macdonald’s masterpiece back to life with astonishing accuracy and scale. The modern Lido dazzles with its towering bunkers, immense greens averaging over 12,000 square feet, and relentless strategic depth. Every hole is a timeless test, celebrating template architecture while challenging today’s players with bold decisions and precision shotmaking. At the Lido, walking the course with a caddie isn’t just encouraged—it’s required. And for good reason. With strategic bunkering hidden from view, blind approach shots, and subtle land movements, a round here demands insight, experience, and trust.

This is as close to true links golf as the Midwest has ever seen. The caddies don’t just carry clubs—they guide you through Macdonald’s vision, pointing out unseen hazards, ideal lines, and shot shapes that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. Every step through the Lido is a blend of strategy, and intuition—a walking experience that echoes the origins of the game.

Sedge Valley

Tucked into a quieter corner of the Sand Valley landscape, Sedge Valley offers a more intimate, cerebral golf experience. Designed by the renowned Tom Doak, the course draws inspiration from the classic heathland and links courses of London and the English coast, blending golden fescues, firm turf, and low-profile shaping to deliver golf that’s understated yet deeply compelling.

Measuring just 5,800 yards from the back tees, Sedge Valley may be the shortest course on property (outside of the Sandbox)—but it delivers a challenge that’s anything but small. Its compact scale is part of its brilliance, forcing players to think rather than overpower.

The routing features a mix of drivable/challenging par 4s, thought-provoking par 3s, and just a single par 5, making it stand apart in both rhythm and strategy. Instead of relying on sheer distance, the course tests precision, creativity, and course management—hallmarks of the great heathland layouts that inspired it.

For players who love the mental side of the game—or simply want to enjoy world-class design in a more walkable package—Sedge Valley offers a golf experience as distinct as the land it sits on.

Sandbox

Nestled into a restored sand prairie beneath the same striking V-shaped ridge that frames Mammoth Dunes, the Sandbox offers something truly special: a 17-hole short course that delivers pure fun.

Designed by Coore and Crenshaw, the Sandbox offers holes ranging from 40 to 150 yards. It invites golfers of all skill levels to loosen up, get creative, and enjoy the game in its simplest, most joyful form. The course features architectural inspirations from the Biarritz, Lion’s Mouth, and Redan, each scaled to perfection for short iron and wedge play.

It’s the kind of place where you can walk barefoot, carry a single club, or settle competitive bets in the golden hour. Whether it’s a warm-up loop, post-round bonus, or the centerpiece of an afternoon with friends, the Sandbox proves that short golf can leave a lasting impression.

*Bonus - The Commons (Coming soon)

The Commons, a 12-hole design by Jim Craig will be the sixth layout at Sand Valley. "Chris and I started with an observation on the popularity of the Sandbox,” said Michael Keiser to Tom Ferrell for Dream Golf magazine. “We wanted to add another ‘afternoon’ course. In fact, that was the original idea for Sedge Valley, until Tom Doak came back with such a wonderful routing that we built a full 18-hole course. So, the idea for the Commons basically grew out of that desire to add alternative golf in addition to the Sandbox.”

The Commons will be available for public play in 2026.

Lodging and Amenities

For those craving a quiet, restful retreat, single rooms offer a minimalist approach without sacrificing comfort. If you’re looking for a touch more space and luxury, suites provide an elevated experience—ideal for relaxing after logging 18 to 36 holes on foot.

Traveling with a group or simply want the feeling of home? The cozy cottages are a guest favorite, offering fully equipped kitchens, inviting living areas, and bedrooms with private en-suite bathrooms—perfect for families, foursomes, or extended stays.

For the ultimate in privacy and comfort, Sand Valley’s estate homes deliver a truly exclusive experience. With nightly rates ranging from $750 to over $6,000, these spacious residences offer serene, intimate settings where it can feel like you have the entire resort to yourself.

Every accommodation includes access to outdoor spaces with fire pits, scenic views of the property, and close proximity to everything from golf courses to hiking trails—creating a stay that’s both restorative and adventure-filled. For those looking to extend their stay, the resort offers homesites starting at $695,000.

Want to take an evening off of golf? Perhaps pretending you are at Wimbledon and playing the grass surface tennis courts will satisfy your craving for exercise and competition. Or try your hand at Court Tennis, the original and oldest of all racquet sports, in the resort’s new 13,000-square-foot tennis center. Additional activities include fat-tire biking, sandboarding, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking and more.

Dining

One of Sand Valley’s Best-Kept Secrets? Perhaps not anymore, the Turn.
At Sand Valley, the magic isn’t just on the fairways — it’s at the halfway houses. Unlike many resorts that slap a premium on every bite and sip, Sand Valley flips the script. Here, you’ll find crave-worthy eats that won’t break the bank. Think $1 tacos bursting with flavor, savory meat pies, Italian beef sandwiches loaded with housemade giardiniera — it’s the kind of food experience to be shared with friends and acquaintances. Delicious, satisfying, and perfectly timed to fuel your back nine.

When you are ready for a sit down meal, it has options for that as well.

Sand Valley Restaurants

Aldo’s Farm and Table - Located in the main building near Mammoth Dunes, this is your nice sit down venue that offers outside, inside, or even a screened in porch option where we decided to sit. Our group went heavy on the different varieties of meat, but it has plenty of dishes that everyone can enjoy.

The Gallery - Located near Sedge Valley, the Gallery is an Italian influence with many classic options. Pizza was the favorite among our group.

Mammoth Bar - This seemed to be the busiest place during the day due to its convenient location right next to Mammoth’s 1st tee and 18th green. Whether it’s a beer after the round, an app to hold you over, or a full meal, it delivered. The wings were a group favorite.

Bill’s BBQ - For something quick and tasty, Bill’s BBQ hits the spot. It’s located right next to the Sandbox in a tidy food truck but packs a big punch. The many different sandwich options were a hit.